Update on Improvements at Hendricks County Animal Shelter

Construction is underway at the Hendricks County Animal Shelter.

The facility, which was built in 2008, currently holds 34 dogs and 27 cats, plus an additional 10 cages for feline quarantine.

As of June 25, the population was at 27 dogs and 27 cats, according to Shelter Director Christy Roberts.

Increased occupancy is amongst the improvements taking place. Come completion, which is likely this fall, the shelter is expected to house an additional 20 cats and three to four quarantined canines.

Quarantined runs, as they are called, are temporary, sometimes 3-5 day stays where animals are held to prevent spread of disease to the general population.

In addition to the increased holdings, the facility is also getting a new HVAC system “to avoid cross contamination of the airflow,” Roberts said.

“The HVAC part of the project is projected to cost approximately $339,200,” Todd McCormack Executive Director of the Commissioners shared.

The unit is a split system with a commercial HVAC for the kennel area and a residential unit covering the office space.

A budget of $750,000 for total renovation costs was tentatively approved by the County Council on June 16, McCormack told The Republican.

Other changes include things such as additional washer and dryer hookups, a dog meet-and-greet room, two storage rooms, as well as a face lift to the exterior..

“These improvements will help provide space to assist more animals within the community…making these improvements and cleaning up the building not only helps the animals but it also helps the employees feel valued.”

“Moral Improves,” Roberts said. “This team works so hard and they are committed to the animals making these upgrades helps them become more efficient which in turn gives them more time to spend with the animals to get them adopted.”